James Harris, DVM
Shivering bird is chilled, nervous - or sick
 In the three months I've had my sun conure, she has come a long way. She's no longer afraid and she plays (although she definitely prefers her cage to being out). However, I've noticed lately that she seems to be shivering when sitting on her perch. When I first noticed it I thought it was an isolated incident and that maybe she was cold, but yesterday the weather was not cold at all and she was shivering again. Is there a reason for this or is there something that I should do?
-- AnnaBelle Smith, axsmith@unumprovident.com
 Just like people, birds shiver for any one of several reasons. Shivering can be a sign of chilling - the muscles quiver uncontrollably and this generates heat that warms the body. But if the room isn't cold, your bird is probably shivering for another reason, as you've surmised. Although she might be much tamer than before, the shivering might be a case of nerves. Some pet birds with nervous dispositions continue to shiver periodically. The third scenario is that the shivering is a symptom of a neurological disease or metabolic problem. To make sure this isn't your bird's problem, set up a video recorder to tape her in her cage. If she shivers when no one else is around, make an appointment with your avian veterinarian for a thorough medical workup. Take the tape along for review.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia.
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